A Houthi-controlled court in Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, has sentenced 17 people to death for allegedly spying for foreign governments, according to the Houthi-run SABA news agency. The Specialized Criminal Court handed down the verdict on Saturday, November 22, 2025.
The court accused the defendants of forming “espionage cells within a spy network affiliated with the American, Israeli, and Saudi intelligence services.” The death sentences are to be carried out by firing squad in public. Additionally, one man and one woman received 10-year prison sentences, while another defendant was acquitted. Lawyers representing the convicted said the verdicts can be appealed.
Prosecutors claimed the defendants provided intelligence on state leaders’ movements and missile locations, which allegedly led to attacks on military, security, and civilian sites, causing deaths and infrastructure damage. The court stated the alleged spying occurred during 2024–2025, targeting countries considered hostile to Yemen.
This ruling is part of a broader crackdown by the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels on individuals working for foreign agencies and international organizations. Over the past two years, the Houthis have detained dozens of United Nations staff and aid workers, often accusing them of espionage without presenting evidence. The UN has consistently denied these allegations.
Historically, courts in Houthi-held areas have issued harsh punishments for those accused of collaborating with foreign governments. In September 2021, nine people were executed for involvement in the 2018 killing of senior Houthi official Saleh al-Samad. More recently, the Houthis have escalated missile and drone attacks on Israel and Red Sea targets, claiming solidarity with Palestinians amid the Gaza conflict.
The sentencing comes amid ongoing tensions in the region, including U.S. and Israeli military responses targeting Houthi leadership. These developments highlight the ongoing instability and the Houthis’ continued use of public executions as a tool against alleged espionage.
